Sarnia's chief of police thinks sweeping reforms introduced to make bail and sentencing laws tougher are a step in the right direction.
The proposed federal legislation includes over 80 clauses, targeting changes to bail and sentencing for repeat and violent offenders, to support the front lines, and to invest in long-term prevention.
Speaking with Sarnia News Today, Derek Davis said [the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act] addresses priority crimes including; violent offenders, organized crime, auto, retail and copper thefts and offences committed against victims who are first responders.
"I think it's very positive in terms of the changes that have been done, I've read through it a couple of times now," Davis said. "I think one of the challenges we're going to have as a province down the road is still facility wise. Do we have enough courtrooms? Do we have enough people to prosecute? Do we have enough judges? Do we have enough jail space?"
Chief Davis said he would have liked to see more action against repeat offenders when it comes to property crime.
"Certainly in our community it's the thefts and "lower level crimes" that seem to impact the most number of people, or in some of those crime categories, we have individuals that are constantly being arrested and dealt with," Davis said.
Canada's Department of Justice said the Criminal Code changes will only be effective if provincial and territorial governments support the implementation, by properly managing and resourcing the administration of justice.
"The more people you end up keeping in custody, there more pressure there is on those types of facilities. That's just the natural outcome. If we as a society end up holding more people in custody, we've got to have a space for them," Davis said.
"Transporting prisoners from A to B, there's a lot of cost... a lot of extra things," he added. "I'm really glad we have a local jail facility. In terms of a law enforcement resource that's available, I think it's great to have it there. It saves us a lot on prisoner transport functions. It's great to have. I hope that's something that we never lose."
The city almost lost the Sarnia Jail once.
In 2011, the governing Liberals announced plans to close the Christina Street jail and move inmates to a new facility in Windsor.
However, community opposition and a two-year campaign by local groups, labour unions and politicians convinced the provincial government to reverse its decision in 2013.
Additional measures to better protect people facing sexual and intimate partner violence, and to keep children safe from horrific crimes are also expected in the coming months.
